[DOUBLEDICK]

My name is Richard Johnson and I am building my second Apache truck.I drive this truck every day and am doing everything I can to make it a pleasure to drive and still be a good work truck.I like modern drive trains and stock body and interiors.I am looking for other guys that have and drive these trucks to talk to and share Ideas and designs for custom made parts with.I have sent private messages to a few people on this board and only one person responded.At his request I sent him pictures of my custom sway bar mounts so he could make some for his truck.Without sway-bars these trucks are no fun to drive.I am curious to see what others have done and share ideas.

[Kim57]

Hey DD
I'm building a pro street 57.
You can see pics of it here.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2304325/1
Good luck with your truck.
Kim

[58Apache]

I have a 58 1 ton with a 348 cubic inch V-8. It's pretty much orginal and in pretty good shape, but I want to make it a custom truck I can use for towing a and heavy duty work once in a while as well.

Plans are to locate a 3/4 or 1-ton chassis from late 80's or early 90's truck in order to get power steering and disc brakes. I need to do more research to see how the chassis would fit the body.

Nice looking truck you have there.

Steve

[Camarofiend73]

I've got a '55 1/2 Big-window cab truck that was given to me-with no title

The truck is somewhat un-molested, except for the fleetside bed.
It has a running 235ci V-8 w/ 4speed trans.

Once I get the title situation handled, I'm gonna rebuild the braking system,rewire the electrical and swap the tired 235 for a rebuilt 350.

Future mods include a IFS & 4-Link rear suspension.

[DOUBLEDICK]

Wow Kim what a truck that will be when you finish.I don't want to go that far and don't have the skills to do it anyway.keep up the good work.

[Kim57]

I don't have the skills either. I'm learning as I go along just doing the best I can and hoping it turns out ok.
Kim

[DOUBLEDICK]

Kim what engine do you plan to run?

[DOUBLEDICK]

58 Apache why do you want to change over to a different chassis?

[DOUBLEDICK]

Camarofiend73 the fleetside bed was 58 and 59 only.Do you plan to keep that bed?Is it the short bed?Hard to tell from the picture.

[tmeyer]

Richard, My name is Tom Meyer. I am building a '57 chevy Truck. I am doing everything myself except for engine and transmission. Check out my web site at www.meyerbrosrods.com.

[58Apache]

Originally Posted by DOUBLEDICK

58 Apache why do you want to change over to a different chassis?

I want to be able to tow with my 58 and that will REQUIRE the best brakes I can get in order to do it as safe as reasonably possible. That means converting to disc brakes.

I also want a smaller steering wheel and a tilt column. That requires power steering.

If I put the body on a newer chassis, that will solve both of those issues at once, easily (I hope?) cheaply, and with easier to get parts.

The only issue is if the frame will be too wide for the body. I need to research that yet. I have heard of some guys welding on just the front section of the frame.

Steve

[qwantus]

I have a 59 Apache that I have had for about 12 years and am just now starting to work on. I have already started the process of grafting on a Camero front clip. I also purchased the Camero rear and will replace the stock rear. I plan on running a 350 engine and turbo 350 trans once I reach that point.

It's a learning experience for sure.

Randy D.

[58Apache]

Yep! a Camaro front MAY work, not sure, but if you do go that way and get it to work, there are a couple hundred 69 Camaros that came out with 12 inch rotors from the factory. The code is 1LE for these 12 inch discs. That's what I'd use if I were you. I put some on my Chevelle and got them over the counter brand spanking new!

Since I will have a 3/4 or one ton frame, and use it for heavy duty stuff, I have to stick with what the big boys used out of the factory. That means 6 or 8 lug.

Steve

[weirdbeard]

What is Doubledick? What does that mean?

[weirdbeard]

Do not Google Doubledick! Just a warning! I don't care to know anymore.